Peter Salovey President | Yale University
Peter Salovey President | Yale University
International experts gathered at Yale @ Climate Week NYC to discuss the intersection of science and policy in addressing global climate challenges. The panel, titled “Flipping the Model: Leveraging Academic Perspectives to Reinvent Multilateralism,” was organized by the MacMillan Center for International & Area Studies and featured Dr. Maria Ivanova, Carlos Alvarado Quesada, and Philip Osano.
Dr. Maria Ivanova from Northeastern University emphasized mentorship across generations and highlighted her work with the Global Environmental Governance Project, which she co-founded at Yale. "We all stand on the shoulders of someone who’s been there before us," Ivanova stated.
Philip Osano discussed the generational disconnect in decision-making processes, particularly highlighting the lack of young African scientists in major climate reports despite Africa's vulnerability to climate change impacts. He supports initiatives linking young scientists with mentors.
The role of “science-policy diplomacy” was a central theme. Osano noted a decline in trust in science within policymaking globally, stressing the need to bring science back into focus. "It’s critical that we find a way to bring science back to the center," he said.
Carlos Alvarado Quesada reflected on his experience as Costa Rica's President and how scientific arguments helped achieve ambitious environmental goals like the Biodiversity 30x30 initiative. He stressed understanding broader policy contexts: "We need to shift from scaling methods to scaling impact."
Alvarado also highlighted small states' potential agility in addressing climate issues due to their ability to build trust more easily compared to larger nations. "How do you measure trust?" he asked rhetorically.
Both Osano and Alvarado pointed out challenges lower-income nations face due to controversial financing practices, which will be a focus at COP 30 in Brazil next year.
Yale @ Climate Week NYC ran from September 24-27, 2024, bringing together leaders and experts to tackle climate crisis solutions.
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